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Réussites de l'entreprise - SuSE Linux
Enabling AMD64 Architecture: SuSE Linux Develops 32/64-Bit Operating System
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SuSE Linux
Le 22 avril 2003
"AMD64 technology and SuSE Linux provide solution for enterprise computing"
Enterprise acceptance of the Linux operating system is continuing its rapid growth. A recent survey by CIO magazine found that 54 percent of IT executives said that within five years, Linux would be their dominant server platform.
SuSE Linux is one of the world’s leading providers of complete solutions based on the open source operating system Linux. The company has been on the forefront of Linux development for 10 years and supports both 32- and 64-bit computing platforms. This made SuSE Linux a natural choice for AMD to work with to create a Linux kernel that supports AMD64 technology, AMD’s approach to 64-bit computing, and to create an enterprise-level Linux distribution for the first AMD64 product, the AMD Opteron™ processor.
“We think that 64-bit applications will become the standard and that’s why we’re providing an operating system for the AMD Opteron processor at the time of its introduction,” said Juergen Geck, SuSE Linux vice president, technology partners. “Being there in time to enable applications and support software vendors in moving to AMD64 technology is key in building a secure ecosystem for our customers.”
A Powerful Partnership
The “ecosystem” Geck refers to includes all the hardware and software support needed to create a robust 64-bit computing environment based on the AMD64 architecture. In order to help provide customers with the operating system and software applications they need, AMD and SuSE Linux embarked on a unique development project.
The base port of Linux to a new architecture is critical in terms of integrating the software and hardware to achieve the best possible performance. AMD and SuSE worked together to create the base port of the AMD64 version of Linux.
“This gave us an intrinsic knowledge of the base port and an understanding of the inner workings of the combination of AMD64 technology and SuSE Linux,” Geck said. “This allows us to quickly provide the interfaces and production environment necessary for software application providers to create AMD64 versions of their applications.”
“Ultimately the end user community benefits from having a robust operating system and a variety of applications available at the introduction of the
AMD Opteron processor,” Geck added.
AMD64 Architecture
The advantage of the AMD64 architecture is two-fold. First, it offers high-performance, simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing on one system. Second, it simplifies business by providing a consistent, unified IT environment based on the pervasive x86 architecture.
Working with SuSE builds on this foundation. “We are committed to providing a consistent working environment for both partners and end users across hardware platforms from desktop to mainframe,” Geck said. “This promise of consistency also holds true for the AMD64 architecture. The seamless integration to 64-bit computing is enabled on an operating system level.”
Geck believes that the simultaneous 32- and 64-bit capability brings unique value to customers.
“Bridging the gap to 64-bit with 32-bit compatibility is a very valuable feature and offering,” he said. “From day one, you can run your 32-bit applications until you’re ready to take advantage of 64-bit features.” Such features include reduced memory latency and greater memory addressability.
Geck anticipates that this compatibility may help carry Linux into new markets, such as workstations, 32-bit business applications and technical computing clusters.
SuSE Linux Enterprise Server
For the AMD Opteron Processor, SuSE has developed a Linux operating system, to be part of its SuSE Linux Enterprise Server family. Availability is scheduled with the introduction of the AMD Opteron processor on April 22, 2003.
“AMD and SuSE Linux have a proven track record of providing technology innovation that responds to customer requirements,” Geck said. “We think enterprise computing is ready for AMD64 technology and we’re excited to be a part of that effort.”
About SuSE Linux
SuSE Linux is the international technology leader and solutions provider in Open Source operating system software. SuSE's unique expertise in Linux and its largest development team worldwide dedicated to Open Source software has contributed to the recognition of SuSE as the most complete Linux solution available today. SuSE Linux is a privately held company focused entirely on supporting the Linux community and Open Source development.
About AMD
AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan and Asia. AMD produces microprocessors, Flash memory devices and support circuitry for communications and networking applications. The company was founded in 1969 and is based in Sunnyvale, California (NYSE: AMD).
For more information, contact Jeff Lowe, AMD public relations at 512-602-5442.
© 2003 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All rights reserved.
AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Opteron, and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other product and company names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.
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